Tugging at the heartstrings: A group of rabbit-shaped celadon incense burners made by Ji Yinlong. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

With the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese Year of the Rabbit festivities just around the corner, rabbit-themed products are rapidly becoming all the rage in China.

That's been picked up by the folks in Longquan – a county-level city administered by Lishui city, in East China's Zhejiang province – which is home to the famous Longquan celadon porcelain.

Ji Yinlong, founder of the Longquan sword and celadon factory, recently used his consummate skills to make adorably cute celadon versions of rabbit to welcome the festival.

In the 12th to 15th centuries, Longquan celadon became the main export product of the Maritime Silk Road and it captivated the world with its magnificent green tinge. In 2009, the traditional firing technique for Longquan celadon was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – making it the first and only ceramic in the world to be so selected.

According to Ji, in the design process he especially observed the living habits of rabbits, including their physical attributes and demeanors in different emotional states. He then used the depth of the glaze to depict the animal's expressions and details, which are very vivid.

The products he designed – including incense burners and teaware – have proved an instant hit. Right after the rabbit-themed celadon product range was launched, Ji was inundated with orders.